Hollywood superstar Ian McKellen says he wants to bring his troupe to Southport following the tragedy of July 2024.
McKellen told The Times that he wants to take Player Kings, a production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 which he is starring in at the Noël Coward Theatre to Southport as a message of hope and belief.
The Lord of the Rings actor said: “I want to take Player Kings to Southport, and say, ‘Come on, I believe in you, Southport.’ Societies — how do they stay together through periods of upheaval?”
The two-time Oscar nominee 85, will miss the remainder of the play’s run though and be replaced by understudy David Semark in the role of John Falstaff.
It’s understood if the play did come to Southport it would take place at the Atkinson theatre.